Colorado Thanksgiving Beer Guide: The Best Craft Beers for Your Mountain Holiday Table

By Colorado Micro Breweries

<p>When November rolls around and Thanksgiving preparations begin in Colorado, most people automatically reach for wine to pair with their holiday feast. But here in the craft beer capital of America, we know better. Colorado's exceptional breweries produce beers that not only complement traditional Thanksgiving dishes—they often outshine wine pairings entirely. Whether you're hosting at your Denver apartment, mountain cabin, or anywhere across the Front Range, these Colorado craft beers will transform your Thanksgiving table into a true celebration of local flavor.</p>

<h2>The Perfect Turkey Pairing: Odell 90 Shilling</h2>

<p>Let's start with the centerpiece of any Thanksgiving meal: the turkey. This mild, slightly sweet bird needs a beer with enough character to stand up to rich gravy and herb-forward stuffing, but not so bold that it overwhelms the delicate meat. Enter Odell Brewing Company's 90 Shilling Ale, brewed in Fort Collins since 1989.</p>

<p>This Scottish-style amber ale is the Goldilocks of Thanksgiving beer pairings—everything is just right. At 5.3% ABV with a subtle malt sweetness and gentle hop bitterness, 90 Shilling acts as a flavor bridge between your turkey's savory roasted notes and the various side dishes surrounding it. The beer's caramel maltiness complements browned turkey skin beautifully, while its clean finish refreshes your palate between bites.</p>

<p>You can find 90 Shilling year-round at Odell's original taproom at 800 East Lincoln Avenue in Fort Collins, open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM. The brewery's Sloan's Lake location in Denver (1625 Perry Street) offers the same stellar lineup if you're closer to the metro area. Pro tip: grab a few six-packs in mid-November to ensure you're stocked for the holiday—this approachable ale is a local favorite that sometimes sells out during peak seasons.</p>

<h2>Stuffing and Dressing: New Belgium Fat Tire and Avery IPA</h2>

<p>Stuffing—or dressing, depending on your family tradition—is arguably the most flavor-packed dish on the Thanksgiving table. Between the herbs, aromatics, butter, and sometimes sausage or mushrooms, you need a beer with some backbone.</p>

<h3>New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale</h3>

<p>For traditional herb-focused stuffing with sage, thyme, and celery, New Belgium's Fat Tire Amber Ale from Fort Collins is an ideal match. This flagship beer's toasty malt character and subtle biscuit notes echo the bread base of your stuffing, while its balanced hop profile provides just enough bitterness to cut through butter-rich preparations. The beer's medium body and 5.2% ABV make it sessionable enough to enjoy throughout your meal without overwhelming your palate.</p>

<p>Visit New Belgium's stunning Fort Collins brewery at 500 Linden Street, where the tasting room operates Monday through Thursday 11 AM to 9 PM, and Friday through Sunday 11 AM to 10 PM. The brewery's original location features excellent tours, though you'll want to book ahead during the holiday season. Their Denver location on Platte Street offers easier metro-area access with equally impressive views.</p>

<h3>Avery Brewing IPA</h3>

<p>If your stuffing leans toward the savory side with sausage, mushrooms, or chestnuts, reach for something with more hop character. Avery Brewing's flagship IPA from Boulder brings citrusy, piney hops that complement earthy, umami-rich ingredients. The beer's 6.5% ABV and assertive bitterness stand up to rich, fatty additions without getting lost. The citrus notes also provide a bright counterpoint to heavy, savory flavors.</p>

<p>Avery's Boulder taproom at 4910 Nautilus Court North operates Sunday through Thursday 11 AM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 11 PM. Their newer Avery Brewing Hall & Beer Garden in Boulder (5755 Central Avenue) offers a more casual atmosphere perfect for picking up Thanksgiving provisions while sampling their extensive lineup.</p>

<h2>Cranberry Sauce Companion: Crooked Stave Sour Releases</h2>

<p>Here's where Colorado craft beer truly shines. The tart, bright acidity of cranberry sauce practically begs for a sour beer pairing, and Denver's Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project has built their reputation on producing some of America's finest wild and sour ales.</p>

<p>While specific releases vary seasonally, look for Crooked Stave's Petite Sour series or any of their fruited wild ales in November. The brewery's signature use of oak aging and wild yeast creates beers with complex acidity that mirrors—and even enhances—cranberry sauce's tartness. The funkiness from wild yeast fermentation adds layers of complexity that make each bite of cranberry and sip of beer a new experience. When tart beer meets tart cranberries, something magical happens: both become more approachable, more balanced, and incredibly food-friendly.</p>

<p>Crooked Stave operates their primary taproom at 3350 Brighton Boulevard in Denver's RiNo Art District, open Monday through Thursday 3 PM to 10 PM, Friday 3 PM to 11 PM, Saturday noon to 11 PM, and Sunday noon to 9 PM. November is an excellent time to visit, as they often release special barrel-aged sours perfect for holiday tables. Call ahead or check their social media to see what's currently on tap—their bottle selection also makes excellent Thanksgiving gifts for the beer lovers on your list.</p>

<h2>Pumpkin Pie Perfection: Breckenridge Brewery Seasonal Pumpkin Ale</h2>

<p>No Colorado Thanksgiving beer guide would be complete without addressing dessert. While pumpkin pie can be tricky to pair with wine, Breckenridge Brewery's Pumpkin Spice Ale (or similar seasonal pumpkin offerings) creates a natural harmony of autumnal flavors.</p>

<p>This seasonal release typically features classic pumpkin pie spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice—that echo your pie's flavor profile without competing with it. The beer's subtle sweetness and medium body complement whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, while the warming spice notes amplify the pie's aromatic qualities. At around 7% ABV, it's substantial enough to serve as a dessert beer on its own if you're too full for pie immediately after dinner.</p>

<p>Breckenridge Brewery's original location at 600 South Main Street in Breckenridge offers the full mountain Thanksgiving experience, open daily 11 AM to 10 PM. Their Denver Farmhouse location at 2990 Brewery Lane provides easier Front Range access and operates with similar hours. Stock up before Thanksgiving week, as seasonal pumpkin ales typically sell out by early December.</p>

<h2>Brussels Sprouts and Roasted Vegetables: Bristol Brewing Laughing Lab</h2>

<p>Brussels sprouts have undergone a renaissance in recent years, moving from mushy, boiled obligations to caramelized, bacon-studded stars of the Thanksgiving table. These earthy, slightly bitter vegetables find their perfect match in Bristol Brewing Company's Laughing Lab Scottish Ale from Colorado Springs.</p>

<p>This malty, medium-bodied Scottish ale brings caramel and toffee notes that complement the natural sweetness that emerges when Brussels sprouts are properly roasted. The beer's smooth, low-hop profile won't clash with the vegetables' inherent bitterness, while its earthy malt character bridges beautifully with roasted or grilled preparations. Laughing Lab also pairs wonderfully with roasted root vegetables, glazed carrots, and sweet potato casserole.</p>

<p>Bristol Brewing's Ivywild School location at 1604 South Cascade Avenue in Colorado Springs is worth the drive from Denver or anywhere along I-25. Housed in a beautifully renovated 1916 elementary school, the taproom operates Monday through Saturday 11 AM to 10 PM, Sunday 11 AM to 9 PM. The historic setting adds special charm to pre-Thanksgiving beer shopping.</p>

<h2>Colorado Autumn Releases to Seek Before Thanksgiving</h2>

<p>Beyond these specific pairings, November is prime time for limited autumn releases across Colorado's brewing landscape. Here's what to look for:</p>

<h3>Barrel-Aged and Imperial Stouts</h3>

<p>Many Colorado breweries release their barrel-aged imperial stouts in November, perfect for sipping by the fireplace after Thanksgiving dinner. Left Hand Brewing's Wake Up Dead Imperial Stout from Longmont offers coffee-forward richness, while Ska Brewing's Steel Toe Stout from Durango brings chocolate and roasted malt complexity ideal for cool November evenings.</p>

<h3>Fresh Hop Beers (Last Call)</h3>

<p>While fresh hop season peaks in September and October, some breweries extend releases into early November. These aromatic, intensely hoppy beers showcase Colorado-grown hops and pair surprisingly well with herb-heavy Thanksgiving dishes. Check with Oskar Blues in Longmont or Dry Dock Brewing in Aurora for any remaining fresh hop offerings.</p>

<h3>Winter Warmers and Spiced Ales</h3>

<p>As breweries transition from autumn to winter seasonals, November offers the best of both worlds. Great Divide's Hibernation Ale, a rich English-style old ale from Denver, typically hits shelves in November and pairs beautifully with hearty Thanksgiving fare and cold Front Range nights.</p>

<h2>Building Your Colorado Thanksgiving Beer Flight</h2>

<p>Rather than committing to a single beer throughout your meal, consider creating a flight experience for your guests. Start with Odell 90 Shilling or New Belgium Fat Tire alongside appetizers and turkey. Transition to Avery IPA or Bristol Laughing Lab with richer side dishes. Introduce Crooked Stave sours when cranberry sauce appears. Finish with Breckenridge Pumpkin Ale or a barrel-aged stout for dessert.</p>

<p>Most Colorado breweries offer mix-and-match six-pack options, making it easy to build a diverse Thanksgiving beer selection without committing to full cases. This approach also encourages conversation and discovery—there's nothing quite like debating which beer pairs best with Grandma's secret stuffing recipe.</p>

<h2>Practical Tips for Your Colorado Thanksgiving Beer Shopping</h2>

<p>To ensure you're properly stocked for Thanksgiving, shop for your Colorado craft beers by mid-November. Many popular seasonal releases sell out quickly, and you don't want to scramble on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving when taprooms are packed with travelers and locals alike.</p>

<p>Most brewery taprooms remain open on Thanksgiving Eve (the busiest bar night of the year), but many close on Thanksgiving Day itself or operate limited hours. Call ahead if you need any last-minute additions to your beer lineup.</p>

<p>When serving beer at Thanksgiving, proper temperature matters. Lighter ales like 90 Shilling and Fat Tire shine at 45-50°F, while bigger beers like imperial stouts and barrel-aged offerings benefit from slightly warmer temperatures around 50-55°F. Sour ales typically taste best well-chilled at 40-45°F.</p>

<p>This Thanksgiving, skip the predictable wine bottles and celebrate Colorado's incredible craft beer heritage. From Fort Collins to Colorado Springs, Denver to Boulder, our state's breweries offer the perfect complement to every dish on your holiday table. Your turkey deserves Odell. Your cranberry sauce deserves Crooked Stave. And your Thanksgiving deserves to be a true Colorado celebration.</p>